What Can You Do with a Pack of Buttons? Creative Ideas and Projects

Quick Answer

A pack of buttons is a versatile craft supply. You can turn them into wearable pins, framed art, gift toppers, magnets, and more. Start with simple projects like a button bouquet or a personalized card to get comfortable with the material.

A pack of buttons often sits in a drawer, waiting for a missing shirt or a sewing project that never comes. But these small, colorful discs are perfect for a wide range of crafts. Whether you want to make a statement pin, decorate a gift, or create a piece of wall art, buttons offer endless possibilities.

In this guide, we'll walk through six creative button projects, from the simplest to the more involved. Each step includes a common mistake to avoid, so you can skip the trial and error and get straight to making something you'll love.

Why Buttons Are Great for Crafts

Buttons come in many sizes, colors, and materials, which makes them ideal for adding texture and personality to projects. They're lightweight, easy to attach, and often inexpensive. A single pack can include a variety of designs, giving you plenty of options without a big investment.

Because buttons are small, they work well for detailed work like card making or jewelry. They also hold up well over time, so your creations can be enjoyed for years. The main challenge is choosing the right adhesive or attachment method for the surface you're working with.

• Test your adhesive on a scrap piece first to avoid damaging your project.
• Sort buttons by size and color before you start—it saves time later.

Choosing the Right Buttons for Your Project

Not all buttons are the same. Some have shanks on the back, which makes them harder to glue flat. Others have two or four holes, which are easier to sew or glue. For most crafts, flat buttons with holes are the easiest to work with.

Consider the size and weight of the button relative to your project. Large, heavy buttons might pull on fabric or paper, while tiny ones can get lost in a design. Mixing sizes adds visual interest, but make sure the largest buttons don't overwhelm the piece.

• For a balanced look, use a mix of small, medium, and large buttons.
• If you're unsure about adhesive, opt for a low-temp glue gun—it's forgiving and sets quickly.

Project 1: Wearable Button Pins

One of the most straightforward uses for a pack of buttons is to turn them into wearable pins. Many button packs are designed for this purpose, with a safety pin or a pin back already attached. If not, you can easily glue a pin back to the button.

Start by selecting a button with a design you love. Attach a pin back with strong adhesive, or sew the button onto a piece of felt and then attach a pin to the felt. This gives you a larger surface and makes the pin more secure. Wear it on a jacket, bag, or hat to add a personal touch.

• Common mistake: using regular glue that doesn't hold metal or plastic. Use a strong craft glue or a hot glue gun.
• Checkpoint: After the glue dries, give the pin a gentle tug to make sure it's secure.

Project 2: Button Art on Canvas

Buttons can be used to create colorful mosaic art on a small canvas. Arrange buttons in a pattern or spell out a word, then glue them down. This is a relaxing project that lets you play with color and composition.

Start with a simple shape like a heart or a flower. Arrange the buttons on the canvas without glue first to plan your design. Once you're happy with the layout, glue each button in place. Let it dry completely before hanging or displaying.

• Common mistake: skipping the dry-run layout. It's much easier to adjust before the glue is applied.
• Checkpoint: Step back and check the overall balance before gluing the final button.

Project 3: Button Gift Toppers

Add a handmade touch to a wrapped gift by using buttons as a decorative topper. You can create a flower shape with buttons and a pipe cleaner stem, or simply glue a few buttons onto a ribbon. This is a quick way to dress up a present without buying extra embellishments.

To make a button flower, layer buttons of different sizes and colors, stacking them from largest to smallest. Secure them with a small piece of wire or a strong adhesive. Attach the flower to the gift with a dab of glue or tuck it under the ribbon.

• Common mistake: using too much glue, which can seep out and ruin the look. Use a small amount and press firmly.
• Checkpoint: Let the glue dry for a few minutes before attaching the topper to the gift.

Project 4: Button Magnets

Turn buttons into fridge magnets for a fun and functional craft. Glue a small magnet to the back of a button, and you have a colorful addition to your kitchen or office. You can also use them to hold notes or photos.

Choose buttons with a flat back for easy magnet attachment. Use a strong adhesive that works on metal and plastic. Let the glue dry completely before using the magnet, and test it on your fridge to ensure it holds.

• Common mistake: using a weak magnet that can't hold the button's weight. Choose a magnet that's strong enough for the size of the button.
• Checkpoint: After the glue dries, test the magnet on a vertical surface to confirm it holds.

Project 5: Button Bouquet

Create a lasting bouquet by attaching buttons to stems made of wire or wooden skewers. This makes a thoughtful gift for a gardener or someone who appreciates handmade items. You can use green buttons for leaves and colorful ones for petals.

To make a flower, stack a few buttons and secure them with a small wire or a drop of glue. Attach the stack to the top of a stem. Add leaves by gluing green buttons to the stem. Arrange the finished flowers-279507">flowers in a vase or wrap them in paper.

• Common mistake: not securing the stem well, causing the flower to fall off. Wrap the wire tightly around the stem.
• Checkpoint: Gently shake the bouquet to make sure every flower is secure.

Project 6: Button Stationery Accents

Incorporate buttons into your stationery to add a tactile element. You can glue a button onto a greeting card, use one as a seal on an envelope, or decorate a notebook cover. This is a simple way to personalize your correspondence.

For a card, choose a button that matches the theme. Attach it with a small amount of glue, or sew it on if the card is sturdy enough. You can also use buttons to create a border or a focal point.

• Common mistake: using a button that is too heavy for the card, causing it to bend. Choose lightweight buttons for paper projects.
• Checkpoint: Test the card by opening and closing it to ensure the button doesn't interfere.

Step-by-Step: From Button Pack to Finished Project

1. Step 1: Gather Your Supplies: Collect your button pack, adhesive (hot glue or strong craft glue), and any additional materials like pin backs, magnets, or stems. Work on a flat, protected surface. Checkpoint: Lay out all materials within reach to avoid interruptions.
2. Step 2: Choose Your Project: Decide which project you want to make first, based on your skill level and available supplies. If you're a beginner, start with a simple pin or a card. Checkpoint: Read through the full instructions before you start.
3. Step 3: Prepare Your Buttons: Sort your buttons by size and color. Remove any loose threads or packaging residue. If a button has a shank, you may need to clip it off for a flat surface. Checkpoint: Ensure all buttons are clean and dry before applying adhesive.
4. Step 4: Assemble the Base: For a pin, attach the pin back. For a magnet, glue the magnet to the back. For a bouquet, prepare the stems. Make sure the base is secure before moving on. Checkpoint: Test the base's stability by gently pulling on it.
5. Step 5: Attach the Buttons: Apply a small amount of adhesive to the back of each button and press it onto your base. Hold for a few seconds to ensure a good bond. Work in small sections to avoid glue drying too quickly. Checkpoint: Let the glue dry completely before handling the project.
6. Step 6: Add Finishing Touches: Once the glue is dry, add any extra embellishments like ribbons, paper, or paint. Step back and evaluate the overall look. Checkpoint: Make any final adjustments before displaying or gifting your creation.

Button Packs to Consider

• Garden: Perfect for all the green thumbs out there. This pack of buttons is designed to wear & share. Contains 6 buttons of varying sizes and measures approximately 3” x 61⁄2”. The garden theme makes it ideal for projects like the button bouquet or framed botanical art. The varying sizes give you flexibility in design.
• Post: Everyone loves mail! This pack of buttons is designed to wear & share. Contains 6 buttons of varying sizes and measures approximately 3” x 61⁄2”. The mail theme is perfect for stationery accents and gift toppers. You can use these buttons to add a playful touch to letters and packages.

A pack of buttons is a small investment that opens the door to countless creative projects. Whether you make a wearable pin, a piece of art, or a personalized card, the key is to start simple and enjoy the process. With these steps and tips, you're ready to turn those spare buttons into something special.